Christopher L. Gasper, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots TE Matt Kranchick is trying to make the most of his practice repetitions since he is the only tight end that has stayed healthy though training camp. "I'd like to think that if they wouldn't have gotten hurt I still would have got the reps, but as it worked out I'm getting to show a lot more what I can do and I'm trying to make the most out of it," Kranchick said.

Michael Eisen, of Giants.com, reports New York Giants rookie WR Sinorice Moss, the Giants' second round draft choice, and TE Matt Kranchick have switched jersey numbers. Moss will now wear No. 83, his uniform number at the University of Miami, while Kranchick will wear No. 89.

Gerry Dulac, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers were ready to cut TE Matt Kranchick, but when they head other teams were interested in him they kept him on the roster and released TE Walter Rasby instead.

Jim Wexell, of the Herald-Standard, reports Pittsburgh Steelers TE Matt Kranchick is not planning to move to wide receiver, despite having problems blocking in-line. "As a tight end, with his size and speed, he creates mismatches with linebackers," said Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt about Kranchick. "If you put him outside, then he loses a little bit of that speed advantage because the guys out there are so much faster. There are a lot of tight ends who are good receivers whose blocking is not effective in-line. I think he understands he's got to improve that and he's working to do that."

Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed rookie TE Matt Kranchick to a three-year deal with a signing bonus of $60,000. Kranchick, one of the Steelers' two 2004 sixth-round draft picks, will receive annual minimum base salaries of $230,000 (2004), $305,000 (2005) and $385,000 (2006).